Extraction of condensed tannins from tropical plants as affected by leaves maturity, maceration time, and centrifugal force

Condensed Tannin (CT) are secondary metabolites of the plant that synthesized along the phenylpropanoid pathway. It is known to suppress CH4 emission in the rumen through protozoal defaunation as well as direct effects on methanogen bacteria. Recent studies have been reported to have anthelmintics activity to overcome gastrointestinal nematodes, appertain to the Haemonchus contortus. To obtain merits of CT, it can be applied in flour or infusion form. Infusion considered as a convenient alternative of CT application. Evaluation method to produce optimum levels of CT needs to be done for the merits of CT obtained optimally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of leaf maturity, maceration time, and centrifuge force on CT levels produced in infusion leaf as a feed additive. Mature and immature leaves selected from Morinda citrifolia (CF), Muntingia calabura (CA), Azadirachta indica (AZ), Hibiscus rosa sinensis (RS) and Hibiscus tiliaceus (HT). The results of this research showed that leaf age had a significant effect on CT, except on AZ and RS. Normally, CT content of immature leaf is higher than the mature leaf. CA has highest levels of CT, can be predicted because of lots of glandular trichomes in their mature leaves as a place to store secondary metabolite compounds. Optimum levels of CT from maceration occurring at 2 h of immersion except on HT that requiring 4 h of immersion. Meanwhile, 372 g is the most effective centrifuge force in producing optimum CT, except in CA which requires 2.318 g. Based on this study, it can be concluded that leaf age, maceration time, and centrifuge force have a significant influence in producing an infusion with maximum CT at each stage of extraction. It is important for infusion production to contain CT in optimal amounts. This research is expected to be the first step in providing multifunctional feed additive for livestock. © 2019 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.